News Release

May 26, 2010
Contact: Sondra Katzen
Public Relations
708.688.8351
sondra.katzen@czs.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Note: Images of the dolphins may be downloaded at www.CZS.org/pressroom.

Brookfield Zoo Dolphins Make a “Big Splash”
Chicago Zoological Society Opens Renovated Seven Seas Exhibit and Celebrates 50 Years of Dolphin Care with New Anniversary Show

      Brookfield, IL—The dolphins are back from a Minnesota vacation and ready to make waves at Brookfield Zoo. On Saturday, May 29, the dolphins—Tapeko, 28; Noelani, 6; Allison, 4; Chinook, a 27-year-old male dolphin from National Aquarium in Baltimore who lived at Brookfield Zoo from 2000 to 2004; and Spree, an 8-year-old female dolphin on loan from Minnesota Zoo, will make their public debut at the newly renovated Seven Seas exhibit. The five dolphins will also be featured in a new presentation that focuses not only on the dolphins themselves but also on marine life conservation and the zoo’s 50-year history of dolphin care.

“The dolphins have adjusted very well to their renovated home,” said Rita Stacey, curator of marine mammals for the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS), which manages the zoo. “This year marks Brookfield Zoo’s 50th year of having dolphins in its care. The renovations to Seven Seas will allow us to continue to provide optimal care to the animals as well as enhance the experience of our guests, who will learn amazing things about the dolphins.”

Last August the dolphins were temporarily relocated to Minnesota Zoo while their 20-year-old Seven Seas home underwent a total makeover. Improvements to Seven Seas included upgrades to the water filtration system, installation of a new HVAC system, roof repairs, an expanded back deck space to allow for animal care needs, and a new liner system on all the pools (the main pool, two holding pools, and a medical pool).

Guests will also notice a new Caribbean-themed look to the stadium featuring a vibrantly painted mural on the east wall of the Dolphin Arena, as well as a variety of silk plants throughout. The underwater viewing area also received a few updates, including new graphics, informative signage, and five flat-screen monitors.

In addition to the renovated Seven Seas exhibit, the zoo will premiere a new 50th anniversary dolphin presentation that will feature a mix of old and new and that will give guests the opportunity to join in on the fun and get up close to the dolphins. The program will showcase a variety of dolphin behaviors, such as aerial acrobatics, and will include a “Big Splash Moment” presented by Kalahari Resorts. The presentation is designed to teach visitors about what dolphins face in the wild and what Chicagoans can do to help wild dolphin populations. Each guest can receive a wallet-size guide on sustainable seafood that can serve as a reference for families when dining at a restaurant or shopping for groceries.

“It’s important for us to give our guests the tools they need to make informed and conservation-friendly choices in their everyday lives,” said Stacey. “Through Seven Seas and the new dolphin presentation, we hope to inspire our guests to think about how their actions can affect wild populations hundreds of miles away.”

The Chicago Zoological Society is a leader in dolphin care and research and manages the Dolphin Conservation and Research Institute. This field research program¬, spearheaded by Dr. Randall Wells, the world’s preeminent authority on bottlenose dolphins¬, includes support of the longest-running wild dolphin study in the world, now 40 years old in 2010.The program’s primary focus involves the five generations of bottlenose dolphins residing year-round in Sarasota Bay, Florida, where the program originated in 1970. The program has gained an international reputation for providing high-quality information of importance to worldwide dolphin conservation efforts.

The Society’s long-term focus on animal well-being, education, science, and fieldwork has helped to cement the organization as a world leader in conservation, ensuring that natural resources—including plants, animals, water, and whole ecosystems—will be available for future generations. The Society’s Center for Conservation Leadership expresses this through a wide range of environmentally oriented programs and projects, including the Dolphin Conservation and Research Institute.

Seven Seas underwater viewing (free with zoo admission) is open during regular zoo hours with dolphin presentation times from Monday through Thursday at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. and from Friday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Admission to the dolphin presentation is $4.00 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and under are free. General admission to Brookfield Zoo is $13.50 for adults and $9.50 for children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and older. Parking is $9.00.

Celebrating its 75th year, the Chicago Zoological Society inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA, and PACE bus service.

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